Alión 2005 [Red]
Producer: Bodegas Alión
Region: DO Ribera del Duero

Alión, Vega Sicilia's second winery, was founded in 1991. The wines have shown well from the start, and while not exactly cheap, offer an interesting alternative to the extra-pricey Vega Sicilia line. This Tempranillo-based wine is great on its own, and will go well with beef, pork or game.

Deep dark cherry red color. Great intensity on the nose with toasty oak, apple pie spices and well ripened dark berry fruit (blueberry/blackberry). Plenty of body on the palate, good fruit/oak balance and nice, fresh acidity. Lively tanins which should smooth out with a bit of cellar time, and an very long finish. Excellent.

[$H]
10 May 2009